Siemens is investing around €200 million to build a new “smart factory” for its Smart Infrastructure division in Amberg, Germany, with completion planned by 2030. Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens AG, said the project “is a clear commitment to the location” and will not only strengthen Germany’s industrial base but also “enhance competitiveness and create jobs with a future” through “industrial artificial intelligence, digital twins and state-of-the-art automation”.
The plant will expand capabilities for high-tech electronics manufacturing. Amberg’s current site (≈4,500 staff) already manufactures industrial controllers, relays and protection devices, and the new facility will produce similar products on a fully digitalized production line. Siemens says this expansion will make operations more efficient, sustainable and flexible – able to respond more quickly to changing market requirements.
AI and automation design
Inside the future Amberg factory, every stage of production will be guided by an AI-driven digital model. Engineers are already using Siemens’ Digital Twin Composer tool to design and virtually test the plant before it’s built. The Composer ties together all aspects of the factory (machines, conveyors, sensors, and logistics flows) into a unified simulation. Joe Bohman, head of Siemens’ PLM software business, calls this an “industrial metaverse” approach – combining 2D/3D plant models with AI – that helps manufacturers “overcome unprecedented challenges of mastering complexity,” and accelerate production while reducing costs.